Climate Change, Information, Beliefs and Action: Can new information affect Swedes’ climate change mitigation efforts?

Authors

Martin Kihlstedt, Lund UniversityFollow

Abstract

This study illuminates which beliefs drive climate mitigation efforts in the Swedish public and how they are affected by information. Using data gathered in an online experiment (n=372), this study finds that a range of beliefs predict Swedes’ climate mitigation efforts. Mainly, it finds that the impact of correcting misperceptions about either Sweden’s emissions or social norms is both varied and limited. Information about Sweden’s emissions has a negative impact on climate policy support. This effect is not fully explained by some respondents perceiving the information as lacking in credibility. Information about norms has a positive impact on respondents self-estimated willingness to sacrifice more to fight climate change.

Recommended Citation

Kihlstedt, Martin (2021) "Climate Change, Information, Beliefs and Action: Can new information affect Swedes’ climate change mitigation efforts?," Undergraduate Economic Review: Vol. 18: Iss. 1, Article 10.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/uer/vol18/iss1/10